tim_tenn

I was always a little amazed that the PT Cruiser sold as well as it did, considering that it got slammed by almost all the automotive press as soon as it hit the streets. Everyone said the same thing: underpowered, poor overall performance, lack luster handling and awful overall quality. I thought I wanted one when looking at the pictures before they went on sale, but the reviews definitely turned me off. It wasn't until the GT and turbo models were released that it started getting a tad bit more respect.

jdmcomp

Sold my PT and replaced it with the HHR. Got to say the PT gave me great service and seemed to be somewhat tighter and more quite then the HHR. Better gas mileage also. Yes, I mean that. Put 115K on the PT and it really was quite reliable. I do like my HHR but the tinneness bothers me some and the noise from the rear is not acceptable. I enjoy the somewhat larger size of the HHR but the interior layout is not as good as the PT, for example the window switches and cupholders as well as no center console. Over all about even when I consider the increased size over the poor layout of the interior. (Ever let of the Em brake with a cup in the front cupholder?)

Both cars are base models with 5 speeds. The PT was faster to accelerate and held it speed up hills better. I only have some 4K on the HHR so maybe it has not broken in yet. I log all expenses and chart them and have noted that I get better average gas mileage on new cars up to about 16K miles then it levels off. Oddly, I got better mileage then either with my wifes old 99 Concorde auto, often averaging 33 mpg on the road. And it with 138K on it.

ANOKAHHR

We have owned three Cruiser's (2001-2004-2005 Conv.) and have had very good use out of all of them. I purchased an 08 HHR PANEL in Feb. and have had good luck with it also. I feel embarrassed to hear all the negative talk about other cars. Whenever our local P.T. Cruiser Club has something going on, I am always welcome to participate with the PANEL. I know there is car bashing on the CRUISER site also and I would like to apologize for them.

HHoRange07

The PT is the mistake, the HHR is the correction, period.

Kennys2009HHR

mongo

The Panel Cruiser was never built because it was an entirely different vehicle from the firewall back. Different doors, quarter panels, even the roof was different. I got this info straight from a Chrysler engineer. The little cards that they pass out at the auto show to gauge consumer interest indicated a market of 10,000 to 20,000 sales per year, far to small to recoup tooling costs. When Brian Nesbitt left Chrysler for GM he apparently learned that the best way to offer a panel was to simply not stamp out window openings. I know there are other differences, but in a nutshell, that's it. Just skip a couple step in the stamping line and you can create a different body style at a lower cost.

HHRatRod

I have one of each, and love em both.
05 PT Turbo with Cold Air Intake and exhaust and it has pep.

08 LS HHR. Probably won't do any engine mods, but lots of fun exterior mods.